The Archdiocese of Sioux City has instituted some temporary steps because of the flu season.

During Mass these include: discontinue the sign of pace shared between the faithful; discontinue holding hands during the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer; discontinue distributing Communion to the faithful under the form of Precious Blood; and Ministers of Holy Communion use antibacterial solution before distributing Holy Communion.

Changes are all temporary. They were announced Jan. 20 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akron and at other Catholic churches.